10 Fantastic Facts About Beer

Beer is perhaps the most famous beverage in the world. It is enjoyed all over the globe, and most people of legal drinking age are familiar with it.

However, as popular as beer is, there are many things most people don’t know about it.

10 Beer And Facial Hair

Facial hair can make drinking beer rather difficult. However, it can also produce drinkable beer. A brewmaster in Oregon has actually discovered a way to make beer from yeast collected from his own beard.

Although this may sound rather disgusting, it is actually a valid way to collect yeast. Most of the fermenting yeast in the world is harvested from rotten bits of nature, so snagging some from someone’s beard is just a logical (if slightly disturbing) extension of the normal process.

9 The Foam

Many drinkers disapprove of the foam on top of a beer glass: It makes drinking difficult and looks unappetizing to some. However, the foam is a very important part of the beer. The foamy “head,” as it is called, is formed by a complex carbon-dioxide reaction and can say a lot about the quality of the beer. Many stout beers, Guinness in particular, are characterized by their gloriously foamy head. The lack of head, on the other hand, can mean that your beer is probably flat and bland-tasting.

The Holy Grail of foam enthusiasts is so-called Brussels Lace. It is the perfect foam that refuses to go away and forms a lace-like residue pattern once the glass is empty. This can only be achieved with a high-quality beer. Interestingly, Brussels Lace will never form on a dirty glass, so it also tells the drinker that their glass has been properly cleaned.

8 Marijuana And Beer

Not many people are aware that marijuana and beer are actually quite close relatives. The flavoring agent in beer, hops, is a member of the Cannabaceae family, which (as you might deduce from the name) also includes Cannabis sativa, the marijuana plant.

Although the plants are of the same family and share many genetic similarities, you can’t just replace one with the other. Still, they are similar enough that enterprising souls have attempted to graft hops into marijuana and brew marijuana beer. Details of these projects are hard to find—which presumably means the results have been less than pleasant.

7 Dead Animal Beer

Taxidermy is definitely one of the few things that don’t go well with beer. At least, that’s what most people think. The UK brewery BrewDog politely disagreed with their new product (which also happened to be the world’s strongest beer with its alcohol volume of 55 percent) in 2011.

The beverage, fittingly titled “The End of History,” came inside a real, dead animal. The poor creature—your choice of either a stoat or a squirrel—had been stuffed with a bottle, with the neck and cork sticking out of its mouth.

6 World’s Oldest Drinkable Beer

Although there is plenty of information on beer drinkers throughout recorded history, actual recipes for ancient beer are difficult to find.

In 2010, an early 19th-century shipwreck near Finland was found to have carried a hidden treasure: the oldest drinkable beer in the world. Preserved in its bottles by the cold abyss, the beer was found to taste very old (unsurprisingly), with some burnt notes and an acidic aftertaste. The last part was attributed to fermenting, and the actual taste is presumed to be much more pleasant.

The Finns take their beer seriously, so the five preserved bottles are currently being researched and Finnish scientists are trying to determine their exact recipe. They will then start manufacturing this ancient beer and selling it under the brand name ”Shipwreck Beer.”

5 Michael Jackson And Beer

When discussing Michael Jackson, most beer enthusiasts are not referring to the King of Pop. They are talking about the British Michael Jackson (1942-2007), beer scholar and foremost authority in anything related to the beverage (the classy, bearded dude in the above picture). Nicknamed ”the Beer Hunter,” Jackson was a writer and journalist who singlehandedly rescued beer from obscurity in the late 1970s (a time when beer was considered a loathsome, poor man’s drink).

Jackson always thought beer was an important component of culture, which is why he always described the beers he wrote about in their cultural context. He also popularized the idea of categorizing beers by their style. Without him, the world of beer would be extremely different and probably much less exciting. Beer aficionados throughout the world recognize this and have showered him with praise and numerous awards.

4 Water And Beer

Although water is generally quite tasteless, it is actually a very important factor in the taste of a beer. The vast majority of beer is water, after all—no amount of skill or fine ingredients will save a beer if the water is low-quality.

Throughout history, many breweries chose their location exclusively because there was quality water nearby. Purity is obviously a factor: Many home brewers get unfortunate surprises because they have been using chlorinated tap water. Also, water reservoirs in different areas vary in taste and beer-making quality.

Many think that some of the best beer-making waters in the world come from Ireland’s mountains. This water is used to make Guinness. Take that as you will.

3 Pyramids And Beer

In ancient Egypt, the Nile’s bacteria content was so high the locals often drank beer instead of water. It could still get you drunk, of course—it was essentially nourishing soup with alcohol in it. This came in handy during the massive construction projects of the Egyptians.

When the pyramids of Giza were built, workers were partially paid with beer. They were kept in a nice alcohol buzz throughout the project, with beer given to them three meals a day. They considered it both a source of refreshment and a reward for their hard work and would probably have rebelled if they’d run out. In fact, the workforce was so adamant about getting their beer fix that the pyramids might not have been built at all if beer had not been around.

2 Peruvian Spit Beer

Chicha is a traditional Peruvian corn beer that is said to date back to Incan times. Its secret ingredient is extremely strange: spit.

The human mouth hosts many strange bacteria and enzymes. Some of them can actually replace the malting process used to make beer. This means that the fermentation process of the corn can be activated by chewing on it, moistening it in your mouth, and then putting it in the beer mix. Just chomp it up and spit it out, soaked in saliva.

Corn chicha tastes like sour beer, and it is a popular refreshment in Peru even today. Most people replace the spit fermentation with malted barley nowadays, but some are said to still make it the old way.

1 The Best Beer In The World

Beers are extremely difficult to rank. One’s superiority to another is largely a matter of taste. However, when it comes to naming the absolute best beer in the whole world, beer lovers are in complete agreement. This honorable drink is called Westvleteren 12. It is a 10.2 percent ABV (alcohol by volume) Trappist beer that has been in production since 1940.

Westvleteren 12 is a dark beer with a refined, chocolate-like taste that is said to be unrivaled by any other beer. It is instantly recognizable by its distinct yellow cap and complete lack of any labels. Usually, it is only available by driving to the monastery that makes it (located deep in the countryside of Belgium) and buying it straight from the monks, which often involves waiting patiently in a line of cars that can extend for miles. However, the monks are fully aware of the superiority of their product and are willing to use its reputation to their benefit on occasion. When their monastery needed a new roof in 2012, they briefly exported Westvleteren 12 to various countries with prices ranging between $75 and $85 for a six-pack and two tasting glasses.

Comments

On a recent trip to Tasmania, Australia I went on tour of the Boags brewery. One of the things that stuck with me was that up until the 1980’s the workers at the plant could drink free beer during their lunch hour and then go back to work!

Great list about one of my favorite things. #10/#2 Beard beer/Spit beer, um no thanks. #4 Olympia beer, a really crappy beer out of my home state advertises their ‘Artesian’ water. (“It’s the water and a lot more..”) still tastes like crap. Does someone know the difference in the way American and European alcohol levels are measured? I read some where that in the US it is by weight and I know that in Europe it is by volume. Any info/conversion data would be appreciated.

I absolutely love beer!Interesting fact is that in middle ages,water was very dirty so even small children drunk beer to hydrate themselves,so basically,without beer people in middle ages wouldn’t have nothing to drink,especially in big cities so it’s kinda justified to say that without beer civilization that we know today would probably be a lot different.Beer saved the world,take that prohibition! :D

You obviously haven’t tried most Aussie beers if you think they are all quickly churned out crap. The Australian craft beer scene is phenomenal at the moment, but I will also agree that we don’t have the best beer in the world. We’re certainly producing some VERY nice beers right now though.

In my humble opinion any barman who can’t get the perfect foam to beer ratio on a pint of God’s nectar (Guinness) should be court ordered to undergo a 10 week training course compromising lectures on the severity of what he’s done, culminating in farewell letters to his family then after a last meal comprised of a pint pulled by somebody who actually knows what they’re doing…be taken outside and simply shot in the face.

Any record of him ever existing would then obviously be airbrushed from history and immediate family members would naturally be obligated to change their surnames less they forever share his eternal shame.

…I’ve a feeling you’ve pulled that sentence from the chapter titles in your copy of The Date Rapists Manifesto.

If your meaning isn’t in relation to beer goggles though and you mean the only point of drinking is getting wasted then I’m guessing you’re a fan of pisswater like special brew…It’s true when they say there’s no accounting for taste.

pouring a Guinness correctly is an art, my hats off to you and anyone else that can pour me one proper like, followed by a fat tip.
don’t know if they have it where you are but I been digging the Guinness black here. its a dark lager that’s lighter and I find a bit easier to drink on hot days.

Just to add counterpoint to all the beer luvin’;
I have had friends try for years to get me to try yet another beer that I might finally, well, if not enjoy, at least find somewhat palatable. I am well regarded as a bit more than a talented, creative chef, and respected as having a rather discerning palette. For instance, I can taste if a stew was prepared using table salt vs. sea salt; fresh or pre-ground black pepper, even taste the difference between breads (of the same recipe) where all purpose flour was used instead of bread flour. When developing a new recipe, I can simply imagine the flavors of different ingredients, in different amounts, combining them mentally, and get pretty close to what the finished dish will be.
But truth be told, I have yet to taste a beer that, not only didn’t taste exactly like every other I’d tried previously, but that didn’t kick in my gag reflex. Yes, dark beers do taste different the the urine colored variety. But they all taste the same as each other as well.
I find it a singularly wretched taste, and find nothing at all redeeming about its affect on my tongue. That said, I also find wines and spirits completely undrinkable as well. So, though I know many people really do enjoy imbibing, I can’t, for the life of me, fathom in the least why, or even how!
Thank goodness there’s all you guys to keep those breweries going. :-)

Sorry, my good man. There wasn’t another pronoun available to properly relate the relationship between myself and the statements being made. It was, after all, my story that was being told as to share a different perspective on the subject. The list was interesting and enjoyable though.

Didn’t count, but it would have to be many dozens, all different price ranges, from all over the world. I really did try very hard to play along. The history, industry, and chemistry of beer is very interesting. Just not a viable food or beverage for this particular person.
Enjoy!!

Nope. I do cook with it sometimes. But as mentioned, No beer, wine, or spirits for me. None of it tastes the least bit appealing. Though I will say I can discern clear distinctions between different varieties and vintages – just none of the flavors are pleasant to me. It’s just the beers that seem to have no real differences.
Just means more for everyone else!! So, you’re welcome. ;-)

Try some of the local German biers. Almost every town has a brewery. Some are great, some not so. My personal favorite is Gold Ochsen brewed here in Ulm. Also Paulaner’s Salvator bock bier is excellent.

VPQ, do yourself a favour and sit down with “The Brewmaster’s Table,” by Garrett Oliver, brewmaster for Brooklyn Brewery. This is THE book for pairing food and beer, and I’d be surprised if it didn’t appeal to you in some way. Might even rope you in with a particular style, especially saison, which Oliver says pairs with everything (and I’m inclined to agree).

Always loved the look of the Brussels Lace as the beer disappeared from my glass but never knew it had a name until now. Gonna drop that little knowledge bit the next time my budget calls for more than a Coors Lite which, oddly has never left the lace.

I will tell you what is sad about beer production. A few days ago my husband and i went to a beer bar, he ordered a japanese beer (i don’t remember the name) just so, to see how japanese beer tastes like. But it was produced in ireland. It wasn’t bad, but what’s the thrill of drinking japanese beer when it’s been made in ireland, it’s irish beer than, just with a japanese inscription.

And for those who don’t want to put up with Westvleteren’s antics, get some St Bernardus 12. Priced normally, easily available wherever Belgian beers are available, and it tastes 99% the same. In fact, even experts often can’t taste the difference. For those who don’t believe it: the Westvleteren monks work together with the people from St Bernardus.

The post kind of makes it seem like you could buy a six pack of these taxidermised creations at your local pop shop. In fact they only released a very limited supply. Like, less than twenty as I recall. They were also priced quite high. More of a curiosity then a “let’s slam back some squirrel beers before hitting the pub”.

An Italian restaurant near me sells Moretti which is a pale lager. It’s pretty nice to drink but the best thing is the man on the bottle. No one will dare knock over your drink because they think you are a fucking gangster.

:-)
I never understood; “…an acquired taste”.
Why would anyone ever – EVER, invest so much time,energy, and money to force themselves to do something that they really don’t like, in the hopes of someday beginning to like it.
If you don’t like it, leave it alone, right? What’s the point. Having not yet in your life become an alcoholic assures it’s not a life requirement. So just leave what you don’t like to other people and enjoy what you do like, I say.

Here’s an interesting fact about beer. You can use it to find due north. I read about this in Men’s Health and, while it sounds a bit wacky, who knows…..it might just save a life. OK, you have to have a can of beer, or several cans of beer so you can drink the back up as emergency liquid supplies, a small bowl (or a rock with a depression in it), a sewing needle and a pair of extra large silk panties (if they are large enough then they can double as a form of shelter in extreme need). Open your beer and pour it into your bowl or depression in a rock and (I know this is hard and goes against every natural instinct) let it go flat. Do not drink. Try to magnetise the needles by rubbing it in one direction with your extra large, survival tent size, silk panties. Keep rubbing. Keep rubbing. Rub some more. Rub, rub, away. And keep rubbing. Hopefully, according to Men’s Health, this will produce static electricity to magnetise the needle…..so you just keep rubbing as though your life depends on it. Rub, rub, rub.

Right, now your arm should be good and tired and your beer in the bowl flat. OK. Now gently float your needle in the flat beer. When it stops moving it should point in a general north/south direction. Bingo….now you can find your way home. Or, you know, you can just drink the rest of the beer and wait for the police to pick you up, if they haven’t already after some passer by gave them a call because they were worried about all the silk panty rubbing you were doing.

True….but maybe beer is the only liquid you have on you! Beer and a very big pair of silk panties, for some reason. Like I said, I read about it on Men’s Health. Really, who am I to judge….I got lost walking back from my local boozer after a skinful. I knocked on my neighbour’s door when my key wouldn’t fit into their lock hole!

Lol. I’m such a wimp. Only beer I like is the type that tastes the least like beer. Or mixed with ginger ale or 7-up. I appreciate it’s significance though, and this is an excellent and informative list. Great job.

Awesome for a Friday! I do love beer and have tried Shock Top recently…which isn’t too shabby. I prefer vodka however….that Russian in me. :)
The beard and the animal entries had me cringing a bit. I knew of the spit one from watching the movie Medicine Man. I heard it tastes quite nice….doesn’t mean I will try it, though.

Mmmm beer. While I’m a lite beer fan myself, my brother-in-law is “brews his own beer guy”, and he makes some nice dark brews. Although I can’t have more than 1 or 2 without feeling like I’ve just had a whole meal. Too filling for me. I prefer a beer that I can drink a couple pitchers of, especially during football season, which starts soon….. :-) Good list!

Oh beer… only something as all powerful as yourself could unify a comment section of Listverse, not a Travyon Martin or religious diatribe in sight. Beer as a topic is the only thing that could ameliorate the usual online conflict.

One thing not mentioned in the entry about hops being of the Cannabaceae family is that a bag of hops also smells almost exactly like a bag of good quality weed. I’m a homebrew enthusiast and have dabbled with growing my own hops, but for certain styles I’ll buy them from my local shop in either dried or pelletized form…but man you snip that vacuum-sealed foil pouch open and the aroma is breathtaking…

If you mean having a bag of them in my possession, well, yes, we take precautions: They’re packaged and labeled as such (as are additives that are white powders, for obvious reasons, especially since Michael Irvin lives not far from us). As for huffing them, well, hops smell good and don’t do any harm to you by your smelling them. :-)

Guinness is a good dark beer…The best stout IMHO is made here in Adelaide, South Australia – Cooper’s Stout. Nothing like a Cooper’s Stout to warm the cockles on a cold winter’s evening. As for beer, a friend once told me; ‘There is no such thing as a bad beer, it is just that some beer is better than others’. As for best beer in the world? It is difficult to pick one as there are many varieties and much of that decision comes down to individual taste – Me, I like Heineken’s best – The original, made in Holland. There is only one thing better than a beer and that is another beer…

I used to be a drinker. Weird thing though, beer always gave me a headache, sometimes just after 3 or 4 beers of average ABV beer but I never got that with Rum, liquors, etc unless I really over did it. Anyone else ever experience that?

Good info. I never really drank cheap American beers tho. I liked German beers and Irish. Belgium as well. The darker and fuller the better. Not sure if they use rice or corn or not. Doesn’t matter anyway now. Had to give it all up :)